Family appreciates kindness shown to Albion man, who was well known for collecting cans and bottles

Photo courtesy of family: Richard Murray rings the bell after completing radiation treatments for prostate cancer about 2 1/2 years ago.

Editor:

I am writing to you and to members and service agencies of the Albion community. My brother, Richard Murray, lived in an apartment on Main Street for the last 18 or so years. He died April 22 of natural causes. He didn’t want any services or notices. His internment will be private. He is survived by 5 brothers and sisters, several nieces and nephews, many special friends and acquaintances, and his two cats.

We have received comments from neighbors and friends about how people thought of Richard. He would collect bottles and cans on “his route” on a regular basis overnight until he could not physically do his job any more. People remarked that he was friendly, polite, smiling. His appearance, long hair and beard, could be off-putting, but we are grateful that people looked past that and really got to know him.

I would like to especially commend your local Social Service agencies, in particular the Office of the Aging. Richard often railed against “the government.” He basically just wanted to live his life as he liked. But your Offices proved to be so helpful. He wanted to stay in Orleans County and Albion even though it meant he was not as geographically close to the family.

We are so impressed by everyone’s kindnesses and caring. He really was happy at home in Albion. He was a singular person, we shall miss him.

Tom Murray

Tully, Onondaga County